M6 delays news launch as ads fall

Ad ban at FT fails to lift commercial networks

Hit by France’s steep TV ad downturn, Gallic broadcaster M6 has delayed the launch of a planned 8 p.m. newscast until the fall.

The move comes as a report by U.S. media analyst TNS Media Intelligence confirmed a drastic plunge in ad revs last month at Gaul’s major broadcasters.

M6 had intended to extend its six-minute 8 p.m. news summary to 20 minutes to kick off its primetime sked.

The web had hoped to pick up extra advertising during the news show, possibly taking advantage of firms migrating from pubcaster France Televisions, which has been banned from carrying ads in primetime by the government.